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Workplace stress reach record-high

Published: October 20, 2016

Workplace stress levels are at a record level, according to a new study.

The TUC has used World Mental Health Day last week to highlight the growing problem faced by many British workers.

Stress remained the top concern for 1,000 union health and safety reps, with 70 per cent revealing it was a problem – three per cent more than in 2016.

Frances O’Grady, the TUC general secretary, said: “The message from the shop floor is clear, stress is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. Pressures of long working hours and low job security are being felt in workplaces across the UK.

“It’s in no-one’s interests to have overstretched workforces. People who experience high anxiety are less productive and are more likely to take time off. Stress is preventable if staff have reasonable workloads, supportive managers and a workplace free from violence, bullying and harassment.”

Workers are encouraged to talk about their concerns with their managers or colleagues to ensure stress levels do not lead to mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.